Bar and Nightclub Security Course: Lessons 2026

Lesson 1: The role of door and floor staff

Bars, nightclubs and other licensed premises mix alcohol, crowds and late hours. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety lists premises where alcohol is served among higher-risk workplaces, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Security staff keep patrons, staff and the licence safe.

Alberta's Liquor Licensee Handbook lists these security staff duties:

Monitor and control entry at all public entrances (door staff).
Check ID so only people of legal drinking age enter.
Help the premises follow liquor laws and AGLC policies.
Keep banned patrons from entering or remaining.
Make sure the occupant load under the fire code is not exceeded.
Stay visible and move through the premises (floor staff).
Watch patrons and step in early to prevent fights and aggressive behaviour.

Training rules in Alberta

AGLC makes ProTect certification mandatory for security staff at Class A Minors Prohibited premises, such as bars and nightclubs. New hires there must be certified within 30 days of starting. Anyone who must take ProTect must also complete ProServe. Other provinces have their own rules, so check with your employer.

Lesson 2: Checking ID

	Alberta	Ontario
Legal drinking age	18	19
Check ID if the person appears under	25 (AGLC policy)	19 (required by AGCO guidance; many venues use a higher age)

Acceptable ID is original, current and government-issued, with the person's photo and date of birth. AGLC also looks for a name and a unique ID number. Do not accept photocopies, photos on a phone or expired cards. In Ontario, you cannot require an Ontario Health Card, though one may be accepted if offered voluntarily.

How to check a card

Ask the person to take the card out of their wallet and hand it to you.
Feel and look for tampering, such as bubbling or peeling laminate or altered letters.
Compare the photo with the person's face.
Check the date of birth and the expiry date.
If in doubt, ask questions such as their birthday or postal code, or ask for a second ID.

If you refuse entry, stay polite and explain that the law does not allow minors. Point to posted signs, and call a supervisor if the person argues.

Lesson 3: Spotting intoxication

Licence holders must not let people become intoxicated on their premises. In Ontario, intoxicated people must not be let in. Watch patrons as they arrive and throughout the night.

Area	Signs to watch for
Behaviour	Slow to respond, confused, sleepy, too loud or too quiet
Speech	Slurred words, racing or very slow speech
Coordination	Fumbling with phones or money, weaving, stumbling
Appearance	Bloodshot eyes, heavy sweating, slow or shallow breathing

One sign alone does not prove intoxication, so keep watching. With early signs, staff may offer food and water. With several signs, alcohol service must stop, and staff should reduce the risk of harm, including making sure the person has a safe way home.

Lesson 4: Conflict, removal and duty of care

Step in early, while tension is still rising.

Calm and trigger: something sets the person off, such as a refused drink.
Escalation: the best time to calm things with words.
Crisis: keep your distance, call for backup and focus on safety.
De-escalation: give space and keep your voice low.
Recovery: the person settles. Avoid blame.

Removing a patron

Get backup before you approach.
Speak calmly and privately; explain why the person must leave.
Let them collect their belongings and friends if it is safe.
Escort them to the exit without pushing.
Check they have a safe way home if they are intoxicated.
Write it in the incident log.

If force is ever needed, the Criminal Code allows only as much force as is necessary. Never use force to punish. If a fight starts, call for backup, approach as a team and call police if there are weapons or injuries.

AGLC expects licensees to show care in getting intoxicated patrons home safely. Do not leave a vulnerable person alone in the cold, and if an intoxicated person tries to drive, offer another ride and call police if they still drive away.

Lesson 5: Drugs, spiking and medical emergencies

A guest who suddenly seems very impaired after little alcohol may have had a drink spiked or may have a medical problem. Stay with them, tell a manager and get medical help. Do not just remove them for being drunk.

Overdoses

Call 911 right away. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can protect the person who calls for help, the person overdosing and others at the scene from charges for simple possession of drugs. It does not protect against serious offences such as trafficking. Telling people this can help them call sooner.

Check washrooms and quiet corners on every floor walk.
Know where the first aid kit and naloxone kit are, if your venue has one.
Keep a clear path for paramedics and meet them at the door.
Write a report after any medical call.

Closing time

Closing is often the busiest and riskiest part of the night. Turn up the lights, give clear and friendly reminders, and open all exits. Spread staff out at the doors and outside, where groups gather and arguments can start. Do a final walk through washrooms, stairwells and back rooms to make sure no one is hiding, hurt or asleep before you lock up.